This second studio album by the Scottish ANCHOR LANE has been out nearly a month now and is receiving loads of positive feedback, the February tour ends on the 25th in Edinburgh, their native soil, just as it started, back in Glasgow. After seeing them in Stoke On Trent and interviewing the guys again, it’s only right that a review of ‘CALL THIS A REALITY?’ should round things off. Actually the whole bundle began back in the Summer, when they played STEELHOUSE. (You can re-visit all encounters, on the links at the foot of the page)
Backstage at Eleven, Stoke on Trent – By Diane Davies
I remember seeing the band a few years ago at HRH when it was held in Pwllheli, they have come a long way since then. These days they are a threesome (saves money on the hotel bills they joke) and sway to heavier and more visual demanding rock. If you caught them on this recent road trip you’ll know exactly what I mean, when I say ANCHOR LANE define how emerging rock bands are reviving our musical experiences.
First up is ‘Stutter’ a binding piece, with guitarist Lawrence O’Brien holding down a terrific riff that secures the songs baseline all the way through. Conor Gaffney adds his distinctive vocals to complement the strings, ensuring from the off that this album is going to be worth the wait. ‘Ministry’ dwells with satirical lyrics aimed at those who are in charge. The notes pulsate with varying depths and the chorus rockets the whole track into another dimension. The title song ‘Call This A Reality?’ hits out at social media and our lack of face to face communication. The dark wave of lyrics are strengthened with lower fret punching from Lawrence and it certainly leaves its mark. The innovation on ’Nitroglycerin’ is amazing, there are pockets of chord changing and bursts of echo that give it a wealth of contrast. Again Conor delivers with thunderous vocals. ‘I’ve Been Waiting’ is softer with an intro of embracing keys and it simply flies along, catchy and intriguing work.
One track that uplifts and raises a smile is ’The Mischievous Song’ bouncing with euphoric gestures and a crashing hook of ’Na-na-na-na’s’ it’s so enjoyable, I keep playing it over and over. ‘Choke’ is a quick fire round, rapid and spinning words that resonate with another dose of guitar magic. Drummer Graeme Newbury provides the initial beat to Electric Karma that is reminiscent of those swinging songs of the 60’s. It’s a change of direction that is simply brilliant and as Conor puts his vocals into the mix, the track just picks up and spirals. ‘Bitter’ is a slower descent into a more melancholy world, about a love lost and the sorrow that endures, it’s altogether spellbinding and a mindful distraction. There’s an instrumental interlude next entitled ‘The Static’ that ushers in ’Sychophant Disorder’ which is a tormenting menace of a song, breaking up any signs of comfort. The drums are loud, the vocals on high alert and the guitar guarantees this is totally absorbent. There’s no let up at the end either as ‘I Don’t Have Another Soul To Pour’ is unrelenting bliss.
Tracks of mixed experiences and differing vibes that all gel, make this a worthwhile album to add to your collection. ANCHOR LANE have evolved into a band with faultless quality and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
‘ANCHOR LANE define how emerging rock bands are reviving our musical experiences’
HIGHLIGHTS – Stutter, Nitroglycerin, The Mischievous Song, Electric Karma.
Find out more about ANCHOR LANE on their social pages – HERE
Album Credit – Producer Bruce Rintoul (Twin Atlantic, Fatherson, Vukovi).
‘CALL THIS A REALITY ?’ Album and Merch available via Website – HERE
MMH LINKS –
